Behringer Bcn44 Ableton tutorial - connect, setup & midi map

The Behringer Bcn44 is a versatile midi controller and when used alongside Ableton Live, it's an incredible tool filled with potential. This midi controller is equipped with plenty of features that make it the perfect companion to Ableton Live.

In this tutorial you will learn everything you need to know about using the Behringer Bcn44 with Ableton Live. including how to connect, setup and midi map the Bcn44.

Article Contents

1. Does the Behringer Bcn44 work with Ableton Live?
2. Does the Behringer Bcn44 come with ableton Live included?
3. How to connect the Bcn44 to ableton
4. How to midi map the Behringer Bcn44 in Ableton Live
5. The Limitations of midi mapping the Bcn44
   1. Saving your Bcn44 Midi Mappings is cumbersome
   2. Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one
   3. Limited Ableton parameter options to map to
   4. A great solution to these problems
6. Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Behringer Bcn44 work with Ableton Live?

In summary, the Behringer Bcn44 is usable with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live doesn’t provide a default MIDI remote script within its software for it, the Bcn44 can still be midi mapped to many functions within the software.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Bcn44 is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

You can create your own custom Ableton midi mappings easily, which allows you to control much of the functionality in Ableton Live with your Bcn44.

Does the Behringer Bcn44 come with ableton Live included?

The Bcn44 does not have Ableton Live Lite, it must be purchased independently.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Whilst Intro and Standard are highly functional, Suite includes an additional 70GB library of sounds, in comparison to Standard's 10GB.

If you're looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Bcn44 to ableton

Connecting and setting up the Behringer Bcn44 with Ableton Live is a simple task, after they're connected you'll be able to adjust the software's parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Bcn44 to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Bcn44 and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Bcn44 from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Bcn44 are checked.
4. Ensure that the ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are all checked.
In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Bcn44 (Sync can also be optionally checked).

The Bcn44 is now ready for use with Ableton Live.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After you have connected the Behringer Bcn44 to Ableton Live with the aforementioned steps, you can now use MIDI mapping to link up the physical knobs, pads, keys etc on the device to their corresponding features in Ableton Live:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Bcn44, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Bcn44.
5. Moving the physical control on your Bcn44 will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 - 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Bcn44

Ableton's midi mapping system is a great solution for quickly mapping your Bcn44, however, you must take into account some potential limitations...

Saving your Bcn44 Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Mappings are saved along with your Ableton session. Therefore, if a new session is created, you must re-map all of your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each button or knob on your Bcn44 can only be assigned to control a single parameter in Ableton Live.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode is unfortunately missing many control options. Options such as selected track and selected device control aren’t possible using this method. You can see a list of all available Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you're looking to get the most out of your Bcn44, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool 'Control Surface Studio' is exactly what you need!
With it, you'll be able to:
- save and re-use your Bcn44's mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
- map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Bcn44,
- access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Bcn44, than Live's internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can't I hear my Bcn44 in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Bcn44 is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Bcn44 is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Bcn44.
4. Make sure that the Bcn44 is selected as the input device in Ableton's MIDI Preferences.